BHP Billiton Judging Criteria

Scientific Procedure (40%)

  • Includes:
  • Realistic aims
  • Accuracy and thoroughness
  • Controls and replication
  • Reasonable conclusion from data
  • Reference to relevant scientific literature; i.e., project placed in a wider scientific context
  • Explanation for anomalies, errors
  • Suggestions for further research
  • Clarity of report.
  • Evidence of risk assessment

Ingenuity (40%)

Includes:

  • Choice of topic - originality and creativity in all aspects of the project, including the topic chosen, approach to solving the problem, the use of or design of equipment
  • Approach of solving a problem
  • Use of &/or design equipment

Appropriate acknowledgment of assistance. It is anticipated that all students will receive assistance. The report should clarify which aspects of the project were devised and carried out by the student alone and which aspects were not. The type and degree of assistance should also be clear. If these are not clear, judgement should be used, but those who have been honest must not be penalised.

Note: The teacher representative(s) on the panel should have major input on this section, as many projects, which appear innovative are standard classroom exercises.

Value of Project (20%)

Includes:

  • Project addresses an issue of scientific significance*
    *scientific significance may be of a social, local and personal nature.
  • Project contributes to body of knowledge.